- Cast: Gérard Depardieu, Maurane, Patrick Bouchitey, Jean-François Stévenin, François-Xavier Demaison, Claire Maurier, Sophie Guillemin, Mélanie Bernier
- Director: Jean Becker
- Writers: Jean Becker, Jean-Loup Dabadie, Marie-Sabine Roger
- Producer: Louis Becker
- Executive Producer: Gérard Depardieu
- Casting: Colomba Falcucci
- D.O.P.: Arthur Cloquet
- Editor: Jacques Witta
- Makeups: Olivier Afonso, Nicolas Herlin, Frédéric Lainé
- Music: Laurent Voulzy
Storyline
The story of life's random encounters. In a small French town, Germain, a nearly illiterate man in his 50's and considered to be the village idiot by his friends at the local bistro, takes a walk to the park one day and happens to sit beside Marguerite, a little old lady who is reading excerpts from her novel aloud. She's articulate, highly intelligent and frail. Between Germain and Marguerite, there are 40 years and 200 pounds difference. Germain is lured by Marguerite's passion for life and the magic of literature from which he has always felt excluded. As Marguerite broadens his mind via reading excerpts from her novel, Germain realizes that he is more of an intellectual than he has ever allowed himself to be. Afternoons spent reading aloud on their favorite bench transform their lives and start them both on a new journey -- to literacy and respect for Germain, and to the deepest friendship for Marguerite.
Basic Information
- Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
- Filming Locations: Charente-Maritime, France
- Production Companies: ICE3, K.J.B. Production, France 3 Cinéma, Studio Canal, DD Productions, Canal+, CinéCinéma, France Télévision, Département de la Charente-Maritime, Région Poitou-Charentes, Centre National de la Cinématographie, Soficinéma 5
- Production Schedule: 14 September 2009 - 20 November 2009
